One of the pillars of the video game design cannon is
pacing. The further the player advances in the game, the more difficult the challenges
become which, in turn, results in bigger and bigger rewards for completion of
those tasks. However, in order for the player to progress through the game, a
base understanding of the game’s mechanics needs to be clearly conveyed to that
player. Usually, this basic training is given to the player through the first
level. Once this base knowledge is assumed, each level thereafter begins to reveal
the true ethos of the game. In respect to progressive metal act Last Chance To
Reason, their latest album, Level 3, acts
as one of those revelatory levels that creates a much fuller vision of the
band’s capabilities. While the overall sound of the band from past releases has
always leaned towards straight-line metal to me, there are plenty of
progressive spins and vocal variances that shine in Level 3, making it an extremely worthwhile listening experience and
surely the band’s best to date.
